MC learns no lessons, water crunch continues

Acute water shortage during peak summer months is a common problem every year, but it seems that authorities haven't taken any cue from it, as this year, too, residents continue to suffer.

Despite recommendation of a committee formed two years ago to tackle water shortage, nothing has been done in this regard and it is the residents of a few sectors who are always at the receiving end.

Though shortage of water has been reported in the entire city, complaints of acute water shortage are being received from Sectors 18 to 22, 30, 32, 34, and 44 to 47. Those residing on top floors suffer the most, as water fails to reach them due to low pressure.

While giving a presentation re garding water shortage in Chandig arh last year to UT administration of ficers, the municipal cor poration (MC) of ficials admitted there was skewed distribution of water between northern and southern sectors. Residents of northern sectors, like Sectors 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9, were drawing 1,000 litres per capita per day (LPCD), whereas those residing in Sectors 33, 34, 35, 36, and 49 were drawing only 400 LPCD.

At present, Chandigarh receives 87 million gallons daily (MGD) compared to a demand of 116 MGD, denoting a severe shortage. This scarcity shoots up during peak summer (May to July), sometimes going as high as 34 MGD.

The MC had assured the UT administration that to overcome water shortage, excess per capita supply would be curtailed sectorwise and that pressure gauges would be installed at various locations to monitor pressure at different points. But nothing has been done so far.

As per official records, two years ago, Chandigarh residents were getting water supply for nearly 15 hours during all times of the day. However, alleged improper management on part of the officials concer ned has adversely affected even water distribution in the city in the past two years.

For the past few years, the city has been receiving 67 MGD from the first four phases of Kajauli and the remaining from tubewells. The census data released recently puts Chandigarh at the top spot when it comes to availability of water for residents.